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If there are over three hundred people from
Azhagai living and working here in Kuwait at this point of
time, it has been mainly due to the great efforts of the early
stalwarts from Azhagappapuram who had made Kuwait their home
for a long time. We gather they were simple workers, but had
noble intentions. They had been instrumental in paving the way
for more and more youngsters from the Azhagai village to pour
into Kuwait for employment to make a living for them as well
as support their families back home.
Unlike these days, the earlier period in
Kuwait was not quite ideal for newcomers from many points of
view. New entrants had an uphill task settling in. Every walk
of life posed difficulties and challenges, we learn. The
transition period used to be depressing generally for all.
But those coming from Azhagai did not have to endure much
hardship as they were well received and helped out by the
kind-hearted elders of Azhagai, who acted as local guardians
for the new arrivals.
A newcomer's first challenge here is to overcome homesickness and
loneliness.The seniors, by giving pleasant company and saying a few words of encouragement, resolved this problem.
Youngsters were helped out in finding jobs suiting their background. This trend
continues even today. Without the guidance and help of our senior compatriots, it will be well nigh difficult to
find job openings, regardless of qualifications & experience. If Azhagaits
were able to get acclimatized well with Kuwait conditions, it was largely because of the
guidance they have been so lucky to get from the senior people of Azhagai here
at different times.
Unexpected illnesses or any other unfortunate situations encountered by Azhagaits have
been tied over mostly with the help of the old-timers and their influence. Not all in Kuwait
are that fortunate.One can see many languish inexorably due to
the lack of moral or any sort of support.
The formation of the Azhagai Kuwait Welfare Association has proved to be a boon for Azhagaits
in many respects. The Association encourages unity and brings the sprinkled
Azhagaits together. Here again, the elders are to be credited with the conception
of the Association.
It has been possible to meet quite a number of Azhagaits at social functions,
church services and on any other important occasions This kind of meetings and interactions give
us the sense that we are very much part of a vibrant society.
Our numerical strength in Kuwait affords us to shore up the development of Azhagai in many areas.
In fact, the Azhagaits in Kuwait
are in the forefront in this respect, which
has been recognized by the people living back home.
All this has been possible because of the distinguished
stalwarts of Azhagai who have acted as friends, philosophers and guides to our
youngsters. Without their mentoring, Azhagai
newcomers to Kuwait could not have made as good as they have over
the years in Kuwait.
As the tradition continues, more and more newcomers stand to immensely benefit
from this cyclical activity.
No praise will be too high for the pioneers as the services rendered by them from
time to time to the cause of fellow Azhagaits have been immeasurable. They set
high standards by being model beings for young men to emulate. We are indebted to them. It is also our sincere
hope that the good work done by our elders and seniors here will be carried on
successfully.
By : J. Vensulaus
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